February 21, 2011

Play time!

Ever since Mookah was born we have dreamt of learning how to screen print our own designs, but it is something that has been put on the back burner until we've had the time and a few spare dollars to throw at it.  I don't want you to think that we're kicking back here by the beach sipping marguerita's, but somehow over the last few weeks we've found some 'play time' to try and teach oursleves how to expose screens and screen print on fabric.


After doing hours of research on the internet and watching those 'how to' videos on You Tube, we enlisted the help of one of our friends (lets call her Carol) to help us get started for a day.  A day should be plenty you'd think.  How hard can it be?  It's not rocket science after all.....

We had some designs, we had a screen, we had emulsion, paint, squeegee, lights and a dark room for exposing artwork, not to mention bucket loads of enthusiasm, so what could go wrong?  EVERYTHING! We didn't even get to do any screen printing that very first day because we couldn't even get a screen exposed correctly!

Over the last week though we've been playing, reading, experimenting and asking lots of questions from professionals, and finally things are starting to 'click'.  Yeehah!  We've actually managed to print a few basic designs which you can see below.


Love these photos of the prints hanging on the line......they make me feel proud, even though they aren't perfect.  It reminds me that we all have to start somewhere with the learning of a new skill.


As usual, we expect to be able to do everything really well right form the start, and it's frustrating when you can't, but hey, good things come to those who wait right?


I'll update you next week on our progress.  There has been some very exciting developments at Mookah headquarters today.  Special thanks to Carol for her help and guidance over the last couple of weeks.

7 comments:

  1. you gotta outsource the exposure and just stick with the fun bits ;)

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  2. I love it! Especially your 'we'll have a crack at that' attitude. Ladies, take a bow!

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  3. I guess you'll be running seaside retreat workshops next!

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  4. I've always wanted to screen print my own fabric - well done guys. Love the designs.

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  5. Perhaps I can give you some work in the future!!

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  6. You guys are rocking it! Awesome to meet you both in the rain today. Did I tell you how much I love the rain?
    Anyhow, looking forward to seeing you at future markets and I have to say your makings are stunning and you are such talented aussie designers.
    My grandkids will be lounging on one of your pouffes for years to come, x

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